MUMBAI: Central Railway suburban services were disrupted on October 26 during morning peak hours following a signal failure at Kanjurmarg and an overhead equipment (OHE) fault between Thane and Mulund. The incidents caused train delays, bunching, and inconvenience for commuters on the main and harbour lines.

Around 9.30 am, signals at Kanjurmarg went blank, affecting train movements between Vikhroli and Bhandup. Railway authorities introduced alternative safety procedures, including A-board authority, restricting train speeds to 10-15 kmph in the affected sections and causing cascading delays.

Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said restoration work on the OHE fault began at 10 am and was completed by 10.48 am. However, a fire at Kanjurmarg affected signalling and communication systems, leaving signals between Bhandup and Vikhroli blank. Train operations resumed on the down track under special safety procedures, while efforts continued to restore services on the up track.

Although officials said the disruption primarily affected the mainline, Harbour Line commuters also reported delays extending into the afternoon.

“My routine commute of one hour from Ghatkopar to Juinagar stretched to 90 minutes,” said Rohini Paste, a Juinagar-based student who travels to Ghatkopar daily.

Another commuter, Bhandup resident Sunita Palave, said, “My train remained stuck at Vikhroli station for nearly 20 minutes in the morning. It was highly chaotic. I was late by about half an hour to the office because of the failure.”

Passengers also complained on social media about delays and inadequate announcements. The disruption affected work schedules and appointments, prompting commuters to seek updates before travelling during the evening rush hour.